Organizational Development and Change Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CPHR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Organizational Development and Change Management flashcards as text
In the context of OD, what does 'action research' involve?
Answer: A cyclical process of data collection, diagnosis, action planning, implementation, and evaluation
Action research is a cyclical OD process where data is gathered, analyzed, and used to plan and implement changes, followed by evaluation and further data collection.
Which stage of organizational change is characterized by confusion, anxiety, and declining performance before improvement occurs?
Answer: The valley of despair
The 'valley of despair' is a common stage in change transitions where morale and productivity temporarily dip as people struggle with letting go of the old way before fully embracing the new.
What is the primary purpose of a 'stakeholder analysis' in change management?
Answer: To identify all parties affected by the change and assess their level of influence and support
Stakeholder analysis maps out who will be affected by or can influence the change, enabling tailored communication and engagement strategies for each group.
In organizational development, 'parallel structures' refer to:
Answer: Temporary groups created to oversee or facilitate change alongside the formal organizational structure
Parallel structures are temporary teams or task forces created outside the normal hierarchy to solve problems, plan change, or oversee transformation without disrupting ongoing operations.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a 'learning organization' as defined by Peter Senge?
Answer: Continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and systems thinking embedded in the organizational culture
Peter Senge's concept of a learning organization emphasizes five disciplines including systems thinking, personal mastery, and team learning that enable continuous adaptation and growth.
When is it most appropriate for an HR professional to recommend a 'large-group intervention' such as a Future Search Conference?
Answer: When building shared vision and commitment to change across a diverse, large organizational system
Large-group interventions like Future Search Conferences are ideal for creating alignment and shared ownership of strategic direction across many stakeholders simultaneously.
Which measurement approach is most appropriate for evaluating the effectiveness of a change management initiative?
Answer: Using a balanced scorecard approach that includes employee adoption rates, performance metrics, and stakeholder satisfaction
A balanced scorecard approach captures multiple dimensions of change success including adoption, performance outcomes, and stakeholder experience rather than relying on a single metric.